EN 13286-49:2004

Overview

EN 13286-49:2004 is a European Standard developed by CEN that specifies an accelerated swelling test for soils treated with lime and/or hydraulic binders. The scope addresses unbound and hydraulically bound mixtures with adequate fines or cohesion, allowing for the extrusion of test specimens without damage immediately after manufacture. This standard is essential for assessing the dimensional stability of soil mixtures used in road construction and other civil engineering applications. The accelerated swelling test helps evaluate the effectiveness of lime or hydraulic binder treatment in improving soil behavior, particularly expansion characteristics.

Key Topics

• Test Application
  This method applies exclusively to soil mixtures with sufficient fines or cohesive properties that permit damage-free specimen extrusion immediately after molding.

• Test Specimen Preparation
  Mixtures are prepared in accordance with local protocols, using binder dosages and water contents representing field conditions. Specimens are cylindrical, with dimensions of 50 mm diameter and height.

• Accelerated Swelling Test Procedure
  The test involves storing specimens under controlled humidity and temperature to accelerate hydraulic setting, followed by immersion in water at 40 ± 2 °C. Swelling is assessed by measuring the volumetric expansion over a maximum period of 14 days.

• Measurement Details
  Initial volume is calculated using calliper measurements for precise diameters and heights of the specimen. Post-immersion volume is determined by hydrostatic weighing in air and water, accounting for the volume of confinement belts and elastic bands.

• Calculation of Volumetric Expansion
  The percentage volumetric expansion is calculated using initial and final specimen volumes, subtracting the volume of the confinement materials.

• Documentation and Reporting
  The standard includes detailed requirements for test reporting, ensuring traceability and reproducibility of results. Test reports document mixture composition, binder type and dosage, water content, volumetric expansion values, and any test observations.

Applications

• Road Construction Materials Assessment
  EN 13286-49:2004 is widely applied in evaluating the stability of soils stabilized with lime or hydraulic binders under moisture exposure, critical for roadbase and subbase layers.

• Civil Engineering Projects
  The accelerated swelling test guides the choice and dosage of binders in ground improvement, ensuring materials will maintain dimensional stability and reduce risks of adverse swelling.

• Quality Control and Verification
  Laboratories use this standard for consistent testing protocols, helping manufacturers and contractors verify compliance of soil treatment mixtures with project specifications.

• Research and Development
  The method supports R&D on new binder formulations and soil stabilization techniques, providing a reproducible measure of volumetric changes during hydration and swelling phases.

Related Standards

• EN 13286-1 to EN 13286-53 Series
  EN 13286-49:2004 forms part of a comprehensive series on unbound and hydraulically bound mixtures, which includes test methods for density, moisture content, mechanical strength, and specimen preparation.

• EN 13286-2: Proctor Compaction Test
  Related to specimen preparation, this standard defines procedures for determining laboratory reference density and moisture content.

• EN 13286-53: Specimen Making by Axial Compression
  Critical for producing cylindrical specimens used in the swelling test, ensuring consistent compaction and geometry.

• EN 13286-45: Workability Period of Hydraulically Bound Mixtures
  Provides guidance on determining the workability period relevant for storage before immersion during the accelerated swelling test.

• EN 197-1: Cement Composition and Specifications
  Important for understanding the binder components used in stabilized mixtures.

EN 13286-49:2004 is a key reference for professionals involved in soil stabilization, ground engineering, and materials testing, ensuring reliable evaluation of soil behavior under lime and hydraulic binder treatment conditions for infrastructure projects.